Plan brings bay cafe a step closer

CAFE PLAN: The Timaru District Council's community development committee has voted to allow cafes on Caroline Bay in approved locations.

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A cafe on the bay is a step closer after the Caroline Bay Management Plan was formally adopted yesterday.

The Timaru District Council's community development committee yesterday considered the two submissions the plan had received, before formally adopting the plan, which had to be done before the council could call for expressions of interest in a cafe.

Two submissions were received, from Roger Fagg and Fraser Ross, who both opposed a cafe. However, the committee voted to allow cafes in approved locations, around the skate bowl and mini-golf course, and the eastern portion of the bay near the campervan parking area and skating rink.

Permission to land light aircraft in special circumstances had also been sought, but this was only to be granted when marine mammals were not present. A restriction on further buildings at the bay was rejected, as was the recommendation more signs were put up to advise dog owners when dogs were allowed on the beach.

Additional signs on how to behave around little blue penguins nesting in the rocks alongside Caroline Bay were recommended, as well as native plants being used to landscape the bay.

A submission had been made that the bay be made a reserve. However the council opted to retain the area as a fee-simple ownership, giving the council a wider scope in decision-making.